The Pines

Pine trees were introduced in the 17th and 18th centuries and have acclimatised well. They were intensively exploited from the 19th century. Scots pines were used for boat masts. Maritime pines were planted in inland moorlands and on dunes, and were used to make 25 to 30cm diameter posts for English mines, exported from the port of Lorient. Cut rapidly every 25 years, they offered landowners a good return. Despite the decline in the industry, pine trees are just as much a part of our coastal landscape as a century ago, and tourism has promoted the introduction of more exotic species such as firs, rhododendrons, mimosa, etc. The resort landscape has replaced low-lying vegetation, creating an artificial environment.